Portable table structure



Feb. 13, 1940. 2 s. J. sTRAssER PORTABLE TABLE STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 27. 1937 BERNARD d. Sraasezn INVENTOR ATTORN EYS WITNESS Patented Feb.` 13, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT A OFFICE 2.1911222 PORTABLE TABLE STRUCTURE y Bernard J. Strasser, Ozonev Park, N. Y.

Application october 27, 1937, serial No. 111,321;

1 claim. (Cl. 311-17) This invention relates generally to collapsible portable tables and the like, and more particular- 1y, to a collapsible portable table adapted to be associated with an upright member supporting a beach umbrella or similar device.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a novel table whichv can be clamped upon a substantially cylindrical rod-like upright member such as usually comprises the support of a beach umbrella and which can be adjusted in height to suit the needs of the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a table structure of the type indicated which can be separated into segments, whereby its bulk for purposes of transportation can be minimized.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel method of carrying a table or similar structure of the type hereinbeiore referred to upon a substantially cylindrical rod-like member such as is commonly used in supporting beach umbrellas and the like.

It is a feature of the clamping device that it is adapted to receive and hold the table upon rods of different diameters, thereby increasing the utility and adaptability of the table structure for the purposes indicated.

The invention will be fully and comprehensively understood from a consideration of the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing which forms part of the application.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing it mounted upon a beach umbrella, the latter being shown in phantom.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the clamping device according to the present invention, certain parts being sho'wn in cross-section; and

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 2.

Referring now to the drawing, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a beach umbrella generally designated at II) is mounted upon a substantially cylindrical rod-like supporting member II, which in turn is pressed down and mounted in the earth generally designated at I2. It will be apparent, of course, that other structures than beach umbrellas can be carried on the upright member II, and also that the method of supporting the upright member in the earth I2 is not a feature of the present invention.

A table generally designated at I3 is carried on the upright member I I substantially as shown in Fig. 1. The table comprises a plurality of segments iitted together by means including pins I4, whereby relative movement of the segments while the table is in open condition is at least largely prevented. Although two segments only are shown, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a plurality of segments can be constructed if desired, in accordance with the teach ings of the present invention.

A block I5 xedly attached to at least one of the segments is provided with a member I6, iixedly secured thereon, adapted to engage with and be received by a spring latch, generally designated at I1, carried on one of the leaves. A pin I8 is likewise fixedly secured in said block and is received in an opening in the leaf carrying the latch, substantially as shown in Fig. 3. It will be noted that when the segments are arranged `adjacent each other, the pins Il in interlocking relationship and the pin' I8 in position as shown in Fig. 2, that the leaves I9 and 20 will be held -in substantially immovable relationship to block I5 and will provide a firm, substantially planar surface. The block I5 is secured to the upright II- or to a similar substantially cylindrical member by means including the clamp generally designated at 2I.

The clamp 2I comprises a sleeve 22 carried in the block xI 5 wherein is freely slidable the threaded member-23. The member 23 is provided at one end with a wing portion 24 and carries on the other end a freely movable face plate 25 held in position on said threaded member by means including, for example, a cotter pin 26. The member 21 is substantially rectangular in outline and provided with a threaded opening adapted to receive and engage with the member 23. It is preferred that the member 21 substantially conform in outline to the walls of the opening in the block, generally designated at 28, whereby rotation of the member 21 is substantially preeluded during rotation of the member 23.

The opening 28 is preferably substantially pentagonal in form with two sides parallel and lanother side at right angles to the parallel sides,

whereby the end portion furthest from the member 21 presents a substantially V-shaped groove wherein a cylindrical member such as the upright II can be readily positioned and centered. It will be noted that the face of the member 25 is cut away to form a substantially V-shaped opening which, cooperating with the V-shaped groove in the opening 28, is adapted to receive and substantially lixedly hold a cylindrical member of any size that can be positioned therein when the screw 23 is retracted as far as possible.

It will be apparent, therefore, that the clamp can be used with uprights of Widely diierent sizes.

Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention herein illustrated and described, a beach umbrella has been shown as a structure carried on the upright I I, it Will be apparent, however, that other structures, such as lamps, tables, etc., could be carried on the upper portion of the upright member, in lieu of the umbrella.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that other clamping means than those hereinbefore described can be utilized in supporting the table on the upright member Il, without departure from .the scope and spirit of the present invention.

It is to be understood that this improvement is capable of extended application and is not confined to the exact showing of the drawing nor to the precise construction described and, therefore, such changes and modiiicatlons may be made therein as do not aiect the spirit of the invention nor exceed the scope thereof as expressed in the appended claim.

What I claim is:

Means for holding table leaves on an upright support comprising a block having an opening formed therein to receive said support, a threaded member carried in said block, moving substantially perpendicularly relative to said support, a plate within said opening carried on and threadedly engaged with said threaded member and abutting against parts of said block whereby rotative motion of said plate is substantially precluded, and a clamp face-plate freely rotatably carried on said threaded member adapted to abut against said support, the useful surface of said face-plate presenting a V-shaped groove whereby, as the threaded member is advanced, the support member is positioned and securely held between the face-plate and sides of the opening.

, BERNARD J. STRASSE. 

